Why Join The Freemasons?
For many people, Freemasonry holds a certain mystery and allure. There is a misconception that Freemasons walk around with a trouser leg rolled up, giving people funny handshakes.
- Part of Freemasonry is the ritual side – these are rituals which allude to the workings of King Solomon’s Temple, and many people like this link to our ancient past.
- Another side of Freemasonry is charity – we raise money for charity on a local and national level. For instance, if you visit the Masonic Samaritan Fund, you will see that our fund raising supports medical, dental, respite, mobility and counselling. On a local level, we raise money for Hertfordshire and Essex Air Ambulance, and Freemasons have donated over £1 million to Air Ambulances nationally since 2007. On a provincial level, until 2019, Hertfordshire Freemasons will be raising money for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. The RMTGB is the oldest of the 4 main Masonic Charities and has as its mission statement, ” The relief of poverty and to advance the education of children of a Masonic family, and when funds permit, support other children in need”. The Trust helps children and young people of all ages to overcome the barriers created by poverty, and complete their education. – See more at: http://www.pglherts.org/charity/2019-festival-appeal/
- The third aspect of Freemasonry that you may find appealing is fraternity. At Bodina Lodge, we meet regularly to socialise and practice for any upcoming rituals. As a new member to the Lodge, you will be made to feel welcome and will be encouraged to attend Lodge of Instruction as often as you are able to – in Freemasonry, we always put family and work first. When you are new to Freemasonry, it is natural to be curious about the ritual and want to make progress in the Masonic arts. However, once you have made some progress, and you get to know your fellow Lodge members, the fraternity side grows in importance. It’s a bit like being a part of a rugby or football team – you want to turn up to see the lads, and do a good job on the field to support the team. After meetings, about four times a year, we enjoy a Festive Board – a good meal with friends and guests. As you get to know guests, they may invite you to their Lodge, and you will get to watch the way they do their ritual (every Lodge does the ritual slightly differently) and dine with and get to know different people. In turn, you may choose to invite guests to our Lodge.
Why Do You Want To Become a Freemason?
Before you can join any Lodge, you will have an interview and will be asked questions about why you want to join, about your work and about your family life. Such questions may include:
Can you tell us something about yourself…. for instance are you married or in a relationship?
Do you have a family?
What do you do for a living?
Are any of your family Freemasons?
Do you have any friends who are Freemasons?
Are you involved in any way with Charities or your local community?
Have you discussed with your wife or Partner your desire to become a freemason?
How does she feel about this?
Charitable giving is a central part of Freemasonry? Are you aware that you will be asked to contribute on a regular basis?
Have you been advised of the cost of joining, the annual subscription, dining fees and the cost of regalia?
Can you meet these costs without detriment to yourself or your family?
We have regular Lodge Meetings 5 times a year, and hold a Lodge of Instruction on a Tuesday night between the months of September and May. Would you be able to attend on a regular basis?
Do you believe in a God?
Why do you want to become a Freemason?
What do you expect to gain from being a Freemason?
What do you think you can contribute to the Lodge were you to be accepted as a member?
Have you ever applied to join any other Lodge?
Do you have a criminal record?
If you are interested in joining the Freemasons, please fill in our enquiry form.